Racing: Tizzards golden moment

Nine months out of the saddle after spinal surgery have strengthened the young jockeys resolve for Cheltenham. By David Walsh, chief sports writer

It is that time of year again. Cheltenham time. Jump racing’s festival is now close enough to excite, near enough to tempt us into the ante-post market and when the now customary 50,000 hurry into Prestbury Park on Tuesday, March 11, none will travel as enthusiastically as the young jockey Joe Tizzard. He is 23 but already he has a lifetime of experience behind him.

We know the perils of Tizzard’s profession. How can we not be aware of jockeys’ willingness to take the risks but do we truly understand? Listen to Tizzard’s story and consider again what it is that courses through the veins of jockeys. It was a handicap chase at Hereford 11 months ago or, to be more precise, four days after he’d had an exhilarating third-place ride on See More Business in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.